PGM 1033 'OBLIVION HYMNS' : jan. 17-24

"When in doubt, write a hymn" advised singer Elton John.

The word comes from the Greek and means "song of praise." From ancient origins in religious ritual, the hymn became a container for humanity's fondest dreams; an elevated vehicle for affirmation, prayer and hope. Simple, emotional, poetic, and spiritual — the hymn is a unifying force.

With this exalted background you wouldn't expect the word "oblivion" — from the Latin to forget, meaning the state of being forgotten, or being completely unaware — would have anything to do with hymns. But when the Southern Ambient/post-rock group HAMMOCK chose a title for their most ambitious recording to date, they used the incongruous, but precise combination OBLIVION HYMNS.

As you'll hear on this transmission of Hearts of Space called OBLIVION HYMNS, we'll discover another kind of oblivion — a rarified realm where music can make you forget your self.